47:33.100N 006:02.67W

At the start of the biscay!

26/08/13

00:49 UTC

01:49 BST

02:49 Frenchy time (confusing working in three time zones!!)

 

So we have started to make a dent into our trip across Biscay, with some lumpy seas to start with near the tip of Brittany. It settled down to a 10 knot broad reach so it was time to get the pink cruising chute up. It went up with ease, staying up until dusk (about 2 hours later) and the genoa was poled out for the first time in a strengthening 15 knot breeze. We have managed to maintain good boat speed of 7 knots, and with a favourable tide.

 

The watch systems began to a fun start with two cargo vessels coming in on opposite courses with us nicely in the middle. David held strong on the helm and one of the vessels turned to head round our stern... the other had to be hailed on the radio to negotiate best course of action. After a brief conversation on the collision regulations, and the facts found being that we were indeed a sailing vessel and not a fishing vessel, and they were constrained or restricted in any way, they happily made an alteration behind our stern also. One more vessel became a potential issue and was dealt with swiftly.

 

The watch since then has been very “boring” according to James, and hopefully Olis watch will be similar when it begins in an hour. We will be nearing the edge of the continental shelf in the next few hours, so those oceanographers reading this may be able to tell us what will happen when we get there... but after a slight debate it was decided we are happy so long as the swell is with us!

 

Until tomorrow, goodnight!!